BDS in Forensic Odontology

BDS in Forensic Odontology

Forensic is derived from the Latin word forum, which means 'court if law,' Odontology literally implies 'the study of teeth.' Forensic odontology, therefore, has been defined by the Federation Dentaire International (FDI) as "that branch of dentistry which, in the interest of justice, deals
with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence, and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings."
Objectives of the undergraduate curriculum
At the end of the programme, the dental graduate should:
1. Have sound knowledge of the theorectial and practical aspects of forensic odontology.
2. Have an awareness of ethical obligations and legal responsibilities in routine practice
and forensic casework.
3. Be competent to recognize forensic cases with dental applications when consulted by
the police, forensic pathologists, lawyers and associated professionals.
4. Be competent in proper collection of dental evidence related to cases of identification,
ethnic and sex differentiaton, age estimation and bite marks